Cubeb (Round, brownish-black, reticulated wrinkled thin fruit stalk, intensely fragrant and pungent)

【Naming】

Cubeb

 【Source】

Kai Bao (Kaibao Materia Medica)

 【Common Use Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried fruit of Cubeb Piper cubeba L., of the Piperaceae (Pepper) family.

 【Characteristics】

It is nearly spherical, with a diameter of 3~6mm. The surface is dark brown to brownish-black, with reticulated wrinkles. The pericarp at the base is elongated, forming a thin, straight false fruit stalk, 3~7mm long and less than 1mm in diameter, with longitudinal wrinkles on the surface. It contains 1 immature seed, which is yellowish-brown, rich in oil, and sometimes shrunken and shriveled. The aroma is strong and fragrant, and the taste is bitter.

 【Identification】

Good quality Cubeb has a fragrant and spicy aroma and is free of impurities.

 【Category】

Fruits